Abstract: A seat track system for use in a vehicle seat assembly having a seat base frame. The seat track system includes a lower track assembly having a first lower track and a second lower track and an upper track assembly having a first upper track slidably disposed within the first lower track and a second upper track slidably disposed within the second lower track. The first upper track has a portion extending upwards that forms a first side member of the seat base frame and the second upper track has a portion extending upwards that forms a second side member of the seat base frame. The first upper track and the first side member are formed integrally to form a one-piece unitary member and the second upper track and the second side member are formed integrally to form a one-piece unitary member.

Abstract: An adjustable seat assembly providing a compact size with the ability to pivot or tilt the lower seat frame manually and independent of the seat back.

Abstract: A one-piece seat back frame for use in a vehicle seat assembly. The one-piece seat back frame includes a first side portion and a second side portion spaced apart from the first side portion, an upper cross portion and a lower cross portion. A lower cross bracket member is coupled to the seat back frame such that the lower cross bracket member at least partially overlaps the seat back frame lower cross portion forming a boxed section. A first recliner mechanism is coupled to the second end of the lower cross bracket member for a single-sided recliner system. A pivot bracket or a second recliner mechanism is coupled to the first end of the lower cross bracket member for a dual-sided recliner system.

Abstract: A reconfigurable seat assembly (4) that provides a vehicle seat with greater flexibility and adjustability. The seat assembly (4) includes a latch mechanism (10) that enables the seat assembly (4) to be positioned into design, fold, stow or tumble configurations or a combination thereof. The latch mechanism (10) includes a first link member (12), a second link member (20), and a base member (34). The first link member (12) is pivotally coupled to both the seat base (8) and to the second link member (20). The second link member is pivotally coupled to both the first link member (12) and to the base member (34). The base member (34) is fixed to a portion of a vehicle (2) structure.

Abstract: A tailored vehicle seat component 12 having at least two portions with different properties that are joined together, such as by an adhesive or in a welding process (e.g., laser weld). These different properties include thickness, grades, surface finishes, coatings, and the like. The laser tailored welded vehicle seat 12 components may be incorporated into seat back frames 16, seat track assemblies 26, recliners 20, seat base frames 18, head restraints 88, cushion pans 132, and the like, to optimize manufacturing operations, mass, performance quality, and costs.

Abstract: Attachment mechanisms are provided that may be riveted on one end and welded on another flanged end. The flanges may allow the rivets to be welded to a frame or other part without additional support plates. In certain embodiments, the rivets may simplify manufacturing and packaging as well as reduce the weight of the attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanisms may promote load distribution, allow for the use of thinner materials, facilitate attachment to heat treated materials, allow for attachment of parts that are difficult to access, reduce fixturing, and improve manufacturing efficiency, among other things.

Abstract: A rail guide that has at least one rail pair consisting of a floor rail (22) and a seat rail (24). The seat rail (24) has means (30) for fastening a seat frame to be arranged above the rail pair. The rails can be moved relative to each other in a longitudinal direction along a movement path (20). The floor rail (22) and the seat rail (24) are curved by the same circular radius of curvature (42) that ranges between 1,500 and 3,000 mm, in particular between 1,800 and 2,500 mm. The center point of curvature (44) is on the side of the rail pair facing away from the seat frame. The rail guide is a longitudinal adjustment device having a stationary spindle (52) and an associated spindle nut (54) that is longitudinally movable thereon, the spindle (52) being curved at the same circular radius of curvature (42). Also disclosed is a suitable method for producing said curved rails by means of at least one stamping mold (68) or by means of bending strips (96).

Abstract: A tailored vehicle seat component 12 having at least two portions with different properties that are joined together, such as by an adhesive or in a welding process (e.g., laser weld). These different properties include thickness, grades, surface finishes, coatings, and the like. The laser tailored welded vehicle seat 12 components may be incorporated into seat back frames 16, seat track assemblies 26, recliners 20, seat base frames 18, head restraints 88, cushion pans 132, and the like, to optimize manufacturing operations, mass, performance quality, and costs.

Abstract: A contoured collapsible seat assembly providing a compact size in the stadium position and also having the ability of the seat back to fold forward. More specifically, a collapsible seat having reduced overall height and depth in the stadium position and reduced height in the stowed position.

Abstract: A passenger seating system (26) for a vehicle (5) comprising a seat back (12), a seat cushion (14), and a seat base (16). The passenger seating system (26) may be configured to utilize, expose and/or create various storage areas. The storage areas may be located on or within the seat back (12), the seat cushion (14), and/or the seat base (16). Other storage areas may be utilized, exposed and/or created by configuring the passenger seating system (26) in particular positions with vehicle interior components, such as a glove box.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle including a base presenting a pair of opposing angular surfaces spaced from one another and a cushion slidably engaging the opposing angular surfaces for tilting relative to the base into alternate orientations. The seat also includes a resistance element for maintaining the cushion in a desired orientation relative to the base. The cushion includes a sliding element which is movable between a disengaged position for adjusting the orientation of the cushion within predetermined limits established by the angular surfaces and an engaged position where the sliding element interfaces with the resistance element to restrict movement of the cushion relative to the base.

Abstract: A collapsible seat assembly providing a compact size in the stowed position. The seat assembly has a reduced overall height in the stowed position, and an articulated bolster and lumbar supports which provides a reduced compact size of the seat in the stowed position. A cover may extend over the seat in the stowed position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vehicle seat that pivots to allow easy ingress and egress and in particular to a vehicle seat that manually pivots in conjunction with linear movement to allow easy ingress and egress to seating located behind the pivoting seat.

Abstract: An adjustable seat assembly providing a compact size with the ability to pivot or tilt the lower seat frame manually and independent of the seat back.

Abstract: A one-piece seat back frame for use in a vehicle seat assembly. The one-piece seat back frame includes a first side portion and a second side portion spaced apart from the first side portion, an upper cross portion and a lower cross portion. A lower cross bracket member is coupled to the seat back frame such that the lower cross bracket member at least partially overlaps the seat back frame lower cross portion forming a boxed section. A first recliner mechanism is coupled to the second end of the lower cross bracket member for a single-sided recliner system. A pivot bracket or a second recliner mechanism is coupled to the first end of the lower cross bracket member for a dual-sided recliner system.

Abstract: A seat track system for use in a vehicle seat assembly having a seat base frame. The seat track system includes a lower track assembly having a first lower track and a second lower track and an upper track assembly having a first upper track slidably disposed within the first lower track and a second upper track slidably disposed within the second lower track. The first upper track has a portion extending upwards that forms a first side member of the seat base frame and the second upper track has a portion extending upwards that forms a second side member of the seat base frame. The first upper track and the first side member are formed integrally to form a one-piece unitary member and the second upper track and the second side member are formed integrally to form a one-piece unitary member.

Abstract: A recliner mechanism (100) configured for selectively adjusting a seat back in a second row of a vehicle (10), such as a sedan, includes a close out device (200) in the form of an adjustable package shelf (210) of the vehicle (10) to cover a gap between the seat back (20) and the vehicle structure (11) as the seat back (20) is moved from the fully reclined position. This package shelf recliner mechanism (100) further includes a track system (110) mounted relative to the vehicle structure (11), a cross plate (130) coupled to the track system (110) and configured for translational movement relative thereto, a latch system (150) for releasably securing the cross plate (130) and an actuator, such as a handle or lever, for the user to selectively actuate the recliner mechanism (100).

Abstract: A tube recliner mechanism for a vehicle seat having a reclining seat back includes an inner tube extending in a lateral cross vehicle direction and having inboard and outboard ends, an outer tube positioned around the inner tube, and a cylindrical spacer positioned between the inner tube and the outer tube. The relative rotational position of the inner and outer tubes is configured to change via rotation of one of the inner and outer tubes. The spacer, inner tube, and outer tube are all concentrically positioned to thereby reduce friction between the inner and outer tubes during relative movement between the tubes.

Abstract: A seat construction for providing a seat back or base support, such as for a seat back, includes a planar member and an elastomeric fastener. The planar member is positioned on a portion of the seat and stretched thereon to create tension on the planar member and for providing structural support for an occupant of the seat. The elastomeric fastener is coupled to the planar member and to the seat for fastening the flexible planar member to the seat and maintaining the tension on the planar member.

Abstract: A collapsible seat assembly providing a compact size in the stowed position. The seat assembly has a reduced overall height in the stowed position, and an articulated bolster and lumbar supports which provides a reduced compact size of the seat in the stowed position. A cover may extend over the seat in the stowed position.